Boombot Rex: Small Speaker, Big Sound

This customizable wireless bot delivers.

I am not a DJ, but I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit of an audiophile. I savor the details of sound—from the popping and cracking of a record to the deep, chest-rattling bass of a digital track. So needless to say, I’m not so willing to sacrifice sound quality for anything­ and that includes style, price and portability.

When I first unsheathed my own customized Boombot Rex, I was skeptical. After countless disappointments with portable Bluetooth speakers, I doubted this little unit could offer more than tinny, mediocre audio. But the Boombotix product delivered. The sound is full and crisp. The volume more than fills the room and the bass response is good at mid to high volume levels, which is tough to find in a small Bluetooth speaker, let alone one that fits in the palm of your hand. It even stood up against bass-heavy tracks from artists like James Blake.

The battery life easily stomps competitors at the $300 price range, lasting a full 8 to 10 hours on a single charge. When the juice finally ran out, the included micro USB cable provided a full charge quickly. Rex also comes with an auxilary cable for foolproof connection, although the Bluetooth pairing was flawless.

In terms of aesthetics, Rex certainly isn’t lacking. The silky smooth matte casing is paired with a hexagonal design and perforated grill reminiscent of an old school boombox. But this speaker isn’t just pretty—it’s built to be used. The water resistant and drop-proof shell can withstand some adventure. And that handy clip on the back makes it easy to rock out on hikes and rides without the hassle of earbuds.

Starting February 10th, you can customize your own Rex with a variety of colors and even upload a photo or logo for a personal touch. At only $79.99, it’s worth checking out. Go to store.boombotix.com/build-a-bot to create your own. Just… no Ed Hardy designs, please.